Effects of dietary probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and prebiotic Spirulina platensis on haemotological profile of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings

Abstract

Haematology is a crucial branch for assessing the quality of supplementary diets for fish. It provides information on fish health, environment, and disease and diet effects. Probiotics positively influenced hematological parameters like Hb, Hct, MCV and MCHC. This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and the prebiotic Spirulina platensis on hematological parameters in Labeo rohita fingerlings. L. rohita (5 ± 0.4 g) were divided into 12 treatment groups and one control group (0% supplement). The probiotic groups received 1-12% L. acidophilus (T1L-T6L). The prebiotic groups received 1-12% S. platensis (T1S-T6S). After 75 days, blood samples were analyzed for red blood cell count, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and hematological indices. Fish fed 12% L. acidophilus showed significantly higher hemoglobin and hematocrit compared to the 12% S. platensis group. Hematological parameters were significantly improved (P<0.05) with 12% L. acidophilus vs. 12% S. platensis. These results suggest that dietary supplementation with 12% L. acidophilus was more effective than 12% S. platensis for enhancing blood cell profile and health status in L. rohita fingerlings. Probiotic L. acidophilus may have greater benefits than prebiotic S. platensis for hematology in this fish species. The positive modulation of hematological parameters correlates with enhanced growth performance and health status in L. rohita observed in this study. Probiotic-prebiotic stimulated diets can be effectively utilized to improve health, immunity and productivity of L. rohita in aquaculture.